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Zwitterionic Hydrogel Coating with Antisediment Properties for Marine Antifouling Applications
Boyi Song1, Ershuai Zhang1, Yuanjie Shi1
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, College of Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 16, 2024
Summary
This study optimized zwitterionic hydrogel coatings to prevent biofouling and sediment adhesion in marine environments. The improved coatings demonstrate antifouling performance comparable to commercial biocidal solutions.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Biofouling significantly impacts the marine industry, increasing fuel consumption and hull damage.
- Hydrophilic hydrogel coatings offer an eco-friendly antifouling solution but suffer from sediment adsorption.
- Existing research lacks focus on the antisediment properties of hydrogels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize zwitterionic hydrogel coatings for enhanced antisediment properties.
- To achieve antifouling performance comparable to commercial biocidal coatings.
- To develop a universal strategy for improving antisediment capabilities of hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Optimization of zwitterionic hydrogel coatings.
- Testing under sediment contamination and diatom coculturing conditions.
- Large-scale sample evaluation in oceanic conditions.
Main Results:
- Optimized hydrogel coatings maintained antifouling properties after sediment exposure and diatom culturing.
- Large-scale samples showed antifouling performance similar to biocidal coatings over 1.5 months.
- Introduction of interfacial electrostatic interactions significantly enhanced antisediment properties.
Conclusions:
- Zwitterionic hydrogel coatings can be optimized to overcome sediment adsorption issues.
- The developed coatings offer a promising eco-friendly alternative to traditional biocidal antifouling solutions.
- Interfacial electrostatic interactions provide a universal strategy for improving hydrogel antisediment performance.
